For decades, a university degree has been considered the golden ticket to success. But today’s reality tells a different story.
The question, “Where did you study?” is slowly being replaced by “What can you actually do?” A recent Harvard University study underscores this global shift, success now depends more on skills than on certificates.
Employers worldwide are rethinking their hiring strategies. They are less concerned about the subject printed on your degree and more focused on what you’ve learned and how you apply it.
Interestingly, while many global companies have dropped the “degree required” rule, the Harvard Business School notes that out of 700 new hires, only one was actually employed without a degree.
This ratio highlights an ongoing mental barrier of the recruiters who still give value to degrees, while rules are changing on paper, attitudes still lag behind. But this is going to change phenomenally with changing times.
In India, where nearly 3.8 million graduates enter the job market every year, the skills gap is glaring.
According to the Economic Survey 2023-24, only about 51% of graduates are employable, and a mere 8.25% work in jobs matching their qualifications. The message is clear, education without practical skills leaves graduates stranded.
Employers today value technical expertise paired with soft skills like communication, creativity, adaptability, teamwork and analytical thinking.
A degree may open doors, but continuous learning keeps them open. Those who embrace new technologies, earn skill-based certifications and procure real-world experience will stand out in a competitive market.
India’s education system, too, must evolve. Colleges need to integrate real-world projects, industry exposure and digital learning to prepare students for modern workplaces.
The future belongs to lifelong learners, those who see a degree not as a destination, but as the first step in an unending journey of growth and skill.
